Photo: Sebastian Kurpiel / UnsplashMaid cafés in Tokyo (Akihabara): prices, rules and how they work
Maid cafés are one of Tokyo’s most famous kawaii experiences. Staff dressed as maids greet you with “Okaerinasaimase, goshujin-sama!” (“Welcome home, master!”), draw on your food and cast cute “magic spells” to make it tastier. Here’s what to expect and how much it costs.
💰 Kawaii Check lists 8 places for this topic. The estimated total for one hour (set charge + one drink, including service charge and tax) ranges from ¥880 to ¥2,000.
What is a maid café?
A maid café is a themed café where the staff (called “maids”) play the role of servants welcoming their master or princess home. It started in Akihabara in the early 2000s and is the best-known type of concept café (コンカフェ).
- You order food and drinks, chat with the maids, and can join little games or performances
- Food is often decorated in front of you — the classic is omurice with a ketchup drawing
- Many maid cafés open during the day, and women, couples and families are welcome too
How much does a maid café cost?
The menu price is not the whole bill. A typical visit adds up like this:
- Table / entry charge: often ¥500–1,500 for a set time (for example 60 minutes)
- At least one order: most places require one drink or food item (¥600–1,500)
- Cheki: an instant photo with a maid, usually ¥500–1,500 each
- Extensions, service charge and tax: check if the time extends automatically and whether prices include tax
Every listing on Kawaii Check shows the estimated total for one hour, so you can compare before you go.
Maid café rules and etiquette
- No photos of the maids or the inside unless you buy a cheki. Photos of your own food are usually OK — ask first
- Don’t touch the maids or ask for contact details
- There’s a time limit. Staying longer usually costs extra
- Some places serve Japanese speakers only. We show whether foreigners are welcome on every listing
Maid cafés — Places (8)
Maidreamin Akihabara Main Store
めいどりーみん 秋葉原本店
1 hour from ¥880+
Rabbit Castle
1 hour from ¥1,100+
Magic Maid Café Magical Lollipop
魔法メイドカフェ マジカルロリポップ
1 hour from ¥1,100+
Doll Maid Café Like a Doll
お人形メイドカフェ Like a Doll
1 hour from ¥2,000+
China Maid Café Ron Ron
チャイナメイドカフェ 龍龍（ロンロン）
1 hour from ¥2,000+
@home cafe Akihabara Main Store
あっとほぉーむカフェ 秋葉原本店
Cure Maid Café
キュアメイドカフェ
📍 JR Akihabara Station, Electric Town Exit
&tail Shinjuku Main Store
あんどて〜る 新宿本店
Frequently asked questions
Q. Are maid cafés only for men?
No. Many maid cafés in Akihabara are popular with women, couples, families and tourists. Some places are bar-style and open late, so check the opening hours and age rules on each listing.
Q. Do I need to speak Japanese at a maid café?
Not always. Some maid cafés have English menus and staff who speak some English, while others serve Japanese speakers only. Kawaii Check asks shops directly and shows the result on each listing.
Q. Can I take photos at a maid café?
Usually you cannot photograph the maids or the inside of the café. Instead you can buy a “cheki”, an instant photo taken together with a maid. Photos of your own food are often allowed if you ask.
Q. Where are the most maid cafés in Tokyo?
Akihabara has the largest number of maid cafés in Tokyo, mostly within a few minutes’ walk of Akihabara Station. Ikebukuro and Shinjuku have some too.